Eberechi Eze pulled out of the Crystal Palace squad on the morning of their first-ever main European fixture, by which Jean Phillippe-Mateta scored to earn them a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad.
Palace supervisor Oliver Glasner revealed Eze felt “not ready to play” of their UEFA Convention League qualifying play-off first leg forward of his switch to Arsenal, and the ahead didn’t attend the match at Selhurst Park to bid a remaining farewell.
Eze’s transfer dominated the pre-match build-up forward of a historic evening for Palace in Europe, albeit not within the competitors they wished after being demoted from the Europa League. The house followers booed the Convention League anthem earlier than kick-off after which began anti-UEFA chants.
Justin Devenny was Eze’s late substitute, however it was talisman Mateta who deservedly put the hosts in entrance early within the second half, cleverly directing Will Hughes’ shot previous the goalkeeper together with his head.
Mateta celebrates his objective with Guehi
Mateta had gone near scoring within the first half, hitting the correct publish with a deflected shot because the cussed Norwegian guests held out till half-time.
Daniel Munoz additionally hit the woodwork with a late header to depart Fredrikstad with nonetheless a glimmer of hope of qualifying for the league section.
Fredrikstad will host the second leg subsequent Thursday on August 28.
Glasner reveals how Eze pulled out
Talking earlier than kick-off, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner stated:
“Honestly, I expected he [Eze] would start today for us. But he called me this morning and said that he doesn’t feel well to play in the evening.
“I’ve to just accept it. Every little thing else, you must ask the chairman. I’ve to just accept it, if a participant tells me he isn’t able to play.
“I then called the player who starts instead, which is Justin Devenny, to see if he is ready. It’s my responsibility to prepare the players who play for us in the best way. So it was quite a busy day.
“You do not like to vary your beginning XI on a matchday, particularly on this scenario – a primary time taking part in European soccer for Crystal Palace. However once more we’ve got to cope with it.”
‘He won’t play for us again’
Glasner added afterwards: “In opposition to a deep block, you want a participant who can dribble previous two gamers and rating. That is what Eze gave us. He will not play for us once more, so it does not make sense to speak about him.
“We wish him all the best. For us, it’s about bringing in the right players in the window.”
Parish: We’ll herald gamers
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish talking to Channel 5:
“It is what it is. He (Eze) has been fantastic for the club and we all love him. We are pleased he will go on and fulfil the ambitions he has.
“We’ve got to search out different gamers to usher in to assist the crew and Oliver. We’ll herald gamers however it’s discovering the correct one. We’ll try to use the cash, to make ourselves broader with a couple of extra choices.”
